Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables directly into families’ hands, has launched its first program season at its 12th location in Las Cruces, N.M.
Brighter Bites is actively serving six public schools within the Las Cruces Public Schools system, which is directly impacting close to 600 families and providing approximately 20 pounds of fresh produce to its participants every other week, according to a news release.
“Brighter Bites has created an opportunity to support families in providing fresh fruits and vegetables for their homes. Every campus has seen a consistent turnout from families which has provided an opportunity to connect with all families in a new way,” Naomi Chavez Lopez, community school manager at LCPS, said in the release. “Brighter Bites has created an opportunity for schools to remove the stigma of receiving food and has focused on expanding palates for families with familiar and new produce.”
Feeding America data shows that around 14% of individuals in Dona Ana County within Las Cruces are food insecure, the release said. Brighter Bites says this insecurity correlates with the increased consumption of calorically dense foods, such as fast food, which are either more affordable or the most accessible option in communities with limited grocery stores.
“We aim to improve health outcomes starting with the children and families in under-resourced communities by providing fresh produce and nutrition education,” Mike Pomeroy, vice president of operations at Brighter Bites, said in the release. “Our ultimate goal is to create behavior change that improves children’s health, especially among populations who are disproportionately vulnerable to developing obesity and diet-related diseases. When successful, we can eliminate health disparities and address health equity.”
Brighter Bites says it has partnered with the Roadrunner Food Bank to help supply the right produce and food for its New Mexico program’s families.
“We are thrilled to partner with Brighter Bites to bring their impactful program to six schools in Las Cruces,” Roadrunner Food Bank President and CEO Dana Yost said in the release. “This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our efforts to combat food insecurity and promote healthier lifestyles in our community. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of families in need, ensuring they have access to fresh, nutritious food and the resources they need to thrive.”
The Las Cruces programming has also been made possible through the New Mexico State University’s Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition program, according to the release.
“NMSU’s ICAN program is so excited to partner with Brighter Bites for Las Cruces Public Schools to bring evidence-based and significant resources to the community,” Donna Sauter, a registered dietitian nutritionist and ICAN director at NMSU, said in the release. “We look forward to the engagement of many stakeholders and to the fun, the learning, and the success we will enjoy together!”
The first distribution in Las Cruces took place in February and continues through May, the release said. Brighter Bites says it looks forward to continuing programming in the summer and fall with hopes to continue to expand its reach in Las Cruces.
Related link: Learn more about Brighter Bites or how to volunteer or partner in Las Cruces
